Fridge Compressor Clicking or Not Starting? Relay, Thermostat & Repair Costs
Hearing a periodic clicking sound from the back of your refrigerator followed by total silence usually means the compressor is struggling to start. Here is what causes compressor failure and how technicians resolve it in Tirupur.
Why the Fridge Compressor Clicks Every Few Minutes
When a refrigerator compressor tries to start, it draws a high initial electrical surge through a small solid-state component called a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) start relay.
If this start relay has burnt out due to power spikes in areas like Veerapandi or 15 Velampalayam, the compressor motor cannot turn over. The motor draws heavy current until the bi-metal Overload Protector (OLP) heats up and clicks off to prevent motor fire. After cooling down for 2 minutes, it attempts to start again, producing the repeated clicking sound.
Replacing the PTC Start Relay and Capacitor
Replacing a burnt PTC start relay and its companion overload protector is an affordable, on-site 30-minute repair costing ₹550 to ₹950. In many cases where homeowners feared a costly compressor replacement, fitting a fresh heavy-duty start relay completely restores normal cooling.
Smart Inverter Compressor Testing
Modern 4-star and 5-star inverter refrigerators use brushless DC variable-speed compressors controlled by an inverter PCB. If an inverter compressor does not start, technicians use digital multi-meters to measure winding resistance across the U, V, and W terminals (typically 8 to 15 ohms equal across all pairs).
Things to Observe When Compressor Clicks
Check if Compressor Body is Hot
Place your hand carefully on the black compressor dome; if it is extremely hot to the touch, unplug it to prevent winding damage.
Check Voltage Stability
Ensure input voltage is between 210V and 240V. Very low voltage prevents standard compressors from starting.
Inspect the Rear Start Relay
Technicians unplug the small plastic PTC relay attached to the compressor terminals; if it rattles like loose sand when shaken, it is burnt.
Avoid Repeated Restarts
Do not repeatedly turn the power on and off while the compressor is clicking, as this stresses the motor windings.
Compressor & Electrical Repair Rates in Tirupur
Inspection & Visiting Charge: ₹199 – ₹299 (adjusted into final bill).
PTC Start Relay & OLP Replacement: ₹550 – ₹950.
Run Capacitor Replacement: ₹450 – ₹750.
Inverter Inverter Board Repair: ₹1,500 – ₹2,800.
Complete Compressor Replacement with Gas: ₹4,500 – ₹7,500 (depending on capacity).
Related Appliance Services & Guides in Tirupur
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Continuous clicking means high locked-rotor current is flowing into the motor windings every 2 minutes. Unplug the refrigerator until a technician inspects the start relay.
Yes, mobile technicians carry OEM-spec PTC relays, capacitors, and overload switches to complete this repair on-site in under 30 minutes.
A standard reciprocating or inverter refrigerator compressor typically lasts 10 to 15 years when operated with stable voltage and adequate rear ventilation.